I was looking and couldn't find just a simple list of helpful hints and tips, so I figured this would be a good idea.

So I am about to start organizing a swap for the VERY first time. I'm both happy and on edge! I've gone threw my check list's twice, picked out how I will set up partners, made notes of things that other organizers have done that bothered me or that I liked, ect, ect. So now what I really want are tips from my fellow swappers. I've been in several swaps and run into a few things but there are people who have done so many more swaps then me (maybe even run some themselves) so I'm betting they have run into more things then I have. My fellow swappers who have and wish to share.... WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS!!!!!

I don't know about a "tip" per se,but I've been really impressed when organizers pm a note 1/2 though to just say "Hi".That would totally depend on how big the swap is for sure, but for the smaller swaps when the discussion board might not be as busy it's fun.

It is a good idea to thoroughly review the organizer part of the swap rules and the information and tips thread also has lots of good info in it. You will find a link to the feedback primer in there as well

As an organizer my biggest tip would be to keep an eye on communication...all swappers should post at least once in the thread upon joining. Personally I like to see people posting regularly, especially getting closer to sendouts just so you know the swap is on their mind. I believe it is part of organizing to keep that swap conversation going, if the organizer isn't involved in the thread more than likely no one else is either.

Have fun in your first organizing gig, it is great that you are researching all the how to's (thats what we swap mods like to see )

As an organizer my biggest tip would be to keep an eye on communication...all swappers should post at least once in the thread upon joining. Personally I like to see people posting regularly, especially getting closer to sendouts just so you know the swap is on their mind. I believe it is part of organizing to keep that swap conversation going, if the organizer isn't involved in the thread more than likely no one else is either.

and what if the people participating in the swap don't communicate? I'm in the middle of my first swap and I've made it clear that you're supposed to pop in to the thread every week and I've posted a reminder but there are a few people that haven't communicated since before sign ups. .. what's a organizer to do? I don't want to be too pushy

I always send a gentle reminder pm if a swapper has not posted in sometime (like a few weeks) If they have not been on Craftster (you can see the date they were last on by looking at a member's profile page) I will send an email as well.

Alteredmommy - thanks for the tip. I checked the participants page and she hasn't been on since the beginning of the swap sign ups. Also, I've emailed her and her partner and neither of us has received any contact from her. Should I ask if anyone wants to take on another partner? Or should I apply for a swap angel?

Alteredmommy... thanks for all your help. I did send a help ticket, (after I read your post), 4 days ago) and I still have not received anything back. I talked to the partner who was flaked on and she said she is ok with just keeping what she made. Can I make the "executive" decision to go ahead with that with out Swap Mods giving me the ok?